Tawau: Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has commended the MADANI Rakyat Programme (PMR) 2025 for its role in assisting entrepreneurs and stimulating domestic economic growth.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hajiji emphasized that such initiatives provide local entrepreneurs and the public with valuable information about entrepreneurship while promoting local products to a wider audience. He highlighted the programme as a means of engaging the populace and extending the reach of MADANI Government development schemes beyond select regions.
“This initiative demonstrates that the MADANI Government is committed to its responsibilities to the people, irrespective of their location,” Hajiji remarked during the closing ceremony of PMR 2025 at the Tawau Municipal Council Square, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Hajiji expressed his hope that the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Co-operatives (KUSKOP) would continue similar programmes in Sabah to empower entrepreneurship development. He mentioned several initiatives in Sabah, such as the ‘Premis Tamu Desa’ project, the TEKUN TikTok Shop, and the MSME Hub by SME Corporation Malaysia, which benefit over 50,000 MSME entrepreneurs in the state.
He further elaborated on the ehsan@KUSKOP initiative as a strategic approach to eradicate extreme poverty through mentoring, training, funding, and monitoring. Hajiji also urged for improved banking services from KUSKOP-affiliated agencies like Bank Rakyat, suggesting the establishment of more branches or ATMs in rural areas.
Sabah offers various entrepreneurship development programmes for youth, including the Youth Entrepreneur Success Scheme under the Sabah Ministry of Youth and Sports. Programmes like the Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme Workshop (BUSS) and the Technical Entrepreneur Scheme Workshop (BEST) cater to graduates and university leavers under the Sabah Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Ministry.
Yayasan Usaha Maju (YUM), established in 1995, continues to support traders by providing microloans to target groups, including women entrepreneurs needing capital for business growth. Hajiji noted Sabah’s progress in reducing poverty and hardcore poverty rates and reaffirmed the commitment to eradicating hardship in the state.
Hajiji conveyed optimism regarding the strengthening of ties between state and federal governments, stating, “We are optimistic that the cooperation and close ties between the state and federal governments are essential for our collective success in achieving the goals of a MADANI society that is progressive, knowledgeable, possesses integrity, and thrives in a prosperous and harmonious environment.”